1/7/10Tiffany Schell

The crust and upper mantle of earth Plate tectonics- a theory of global tectonics

in which the lithosphere is divided into a number of crustal plates.

Volcanism- volcanic force or activity. Earthquakes- vibration of earth’s crust

created by the abrupt rupture of rocks. Continental Drift-movement of continents

by the crustal plates.

The water surrounding earth’s surface. Water Cycle- cycle of earth's water as it evaporates from

bodies of water, condenses, precipitates, and returns to those bodies of water.

Hydrosphere consists of: Rivers- streams of water flowing into other bodies of water. Aquifers- geological formations containing ground water. Precipitation- any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet,

or hail, falling to earth’s surface.

The gas surrounding the earth’s surface.

Pressure decreases with height.

Layers: 1. Troposphere contains half of the atmosphere’s mass. Almost all of the earth’s weather occurs here. 2. Stratosphere is where many airplanes fly. It contains the ozone

layer. 3. Mesosphere contains the coldest part of the atmosphere. Many rock fragments from space burn up here. 4. Thermosphere is where the space shuttle orbits. The air is vey thin and the temperature can get up to 1500° C. 5. Exosphere is the last layer of the atmosphere where atoms escape into space.

Functions: 1. Saves earth from harmful rays. 2. Controls the temperature. 3. Holds the important gases.

Present atmosphere is probably not the originalatmosphere.

The part of the earth’s crust, water, and atmosphere that supports life.

Consists of all living things including plants and animals.

Microorganisms are also part of the biosphere.

The biosphere is divided into a number of different biomes.

The biosphere is believed to have started to evolve about 3.5 billion years ago.

Pollution-harmful products put into the earth, water or air. Interaction between biosphere and lithosphere, hydrosphere or atmosphere.

Erosion-the process in which the surface of the earth is warn away. Interaction between lithosphere and hydrosphere, atmosphere or biosphere.

Flooding-overflowing of water. Interaction between hydrosphere and lithosphere.

Wildfire - a large fire that spreads fast and is hard to put out. Interaction between biosphere and atmosphere.

Tsunami –a large sea wave produced by a quake or undersea volcano. Interaction between lithosphere and hydrosphere.